"Dear Roger and the families of Sandy, Max and I send our love and sympathy to all of you in the loss of your loved one. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers today and always. We are in Tx. and was shocked to see your loss in the TF. Sincerely, Your Mt. Zion Classmate and family"
In loving memory of
Sandra Murphy
Sandra Lee Murphy died peacefully in her sleep on November 17, 2013. Sandy was a passionate woman who devoted her life to a career in elementary education, teaching second grade for 22 years at Kachina Elementary School in the Peoria Unified School District. Following her retirement, she focused her boundless energy to activities with the Daughters of the American Revolution, her grandchildren and studying her family's genealogy. One new-found passion was taking oral histories from our World War II veterans. As she was slowed by her aggressive Alzheimer's disease, she maintained her dignity and passion for life until the very end. The Murphy family is grateful to Pastor Joe Dillon of All Saints Lutheran Church for his pastoral care during these difficult times and to the staff of the Gardiner Home entrusted to care for Sandy during what became her final days. Sandra was born in Bucyrus, Ohio on May 26, 1939 to Edith (Judy) and Foster Rarick and graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1957. Sandy was married to Roger W. Murphy on October 27th of that year. Sandy and Roger started a family with the addition of their son, Brian, in 1960 and then Eric in 1963. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in elementary education from Ohio State University in 1972 and taught for one year at Kilbourne Elementary School in Bucyrus, OH. The Murphy family relocated to Phoenix, AZ in 1974 and Sandy became employed by the Peoria district in 1975. She continued her education at Arizona State University where she received a Master's degree in elementary education. She is survived by Roger, her husband of 56 years and by her two sons, Dr. Eric Murphy (Cindy) of Grand Forks, ND and Rev. Brian Murphy (Susan) of Scottsdale, AZ. She is survived by her brother, Ronald Rarick of Bucyrus, OH and preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her grandchildren, Cameron (Jenna) of Lincoln, NE, Sean and Catherine of Grand Forks, ND, Kristin and Brian Todd of Seattle, WA and David of Phoenix. In addition, she has three lovely great-grandchildren, Charles of Lincoln, NE, and Audrey and Jacob of Seattle, WA. Sandra's funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85022 this Friday, November 22, 2013, with internment to follow at Phoenix Memorial Park, 200 W. Beardsley Rd., Phoenix, AZ. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Sandra's name to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 (602-530-6992) where donations will be directed for use at the Gardiner Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bucyrus, Ohio.
Tributes
"Roger and Family, those who have given of themselves to others will live forever in each heart they have touched. May you all fine comfort in the loving memories you hold in your hearts. My memories go back to our high school days and the fun times we had. We will keep you all in our prayers. With Loving Memories, Don and Dixie Striker"
"Roger and the entire Murphy family my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of your grief. What a wonderful person and friend Sandy was. Sooooo many fond memories of her, walking down the hall from the office at Kachina to the back door of the lounge talking to her and never getting a word in till you get out side. I would always tease her about how much she reminded me of Imagine Coca (Old tv star ) she would acknowledge and just keep on going with big smile on her face. My mic name for her lovely was SMURF. Im sure she is going to be deeply missed by her entire family as well as her Kachina family. I will miss her and will continue to celebrate her life in my heart. Bless all of you. Mike Swinfrod. Ps after she retired she became my best boys PE sub, she begged me when your call me."
"Dear Roger and family, We send you our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your dear Sandy. So glad we got to visit in Bucyrus and laugh together. Sandy always had a good conversation with everyone. We all will miss her dearly and give you our love and blessings for all you shared with her these years. Her sons and all the family meant so much to her. Take care dear friend and we will see you later in Bucyrus. Jack & Kay Hewitt class of 1957"
"Roger, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I always felt you and Sandy had the perfect partnership and marriage, one everyone could learn from. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family at this sad time. I always called her \"Chatty Cathy\" and to me she will always be that wonderful, vivacious and engergetic \"Chatty Cathy\" full of vim, vigor and vitality. May God comfort you and your family as you grieve your sad loss. Carolyn Barrett"